http://www.theglobeandmail.com/...or-canada/article4365177/

Although I bet that somehow Michigan legislature will find a way to block the US side connecting the crossing to the interstate...
Seriously. I know there are issues building/paying for infrastructure.. but there are going to be issues when someone else is gonna pay for it for you? hmm

Heh, the holdups to this project over the years have really shown what's wrong in american politics...

American Politics is fubar'd!

:/

well the smear campaign will be starting soon by the owner of the ambassador bridge, and they want to make this a referendum issue.

It isn't over yet.

well. No matter what you think of Harper, he's quite skilled at getting his way in these situations via loopholes or whatever. He's also (for once) supported by a Premier who is a real bastard when it comes to getting his way. From what I understand (for the bridge component) is that since it's not a budget issue for the state of Michigan (or a legislative change), all that is required is the consent of the governor on the US side. But like I said above, there is still the matter of connecting it to the interstate which I supposed could be blocked.

On the Canadian side: here are the finalized plans and construction progress for the highway extension to connect the bridge to the 401 (the major route): http://www.weparkway.ca/

Yes.. they really are putting parks on either side of it:P

for the record, the province is paying for that part.. the feds are paying for the bridge.
and I love this part:

"Expropriation
The ministry will continue to negotiate with property owners to seek an amicable agreement. We will expropriate only after we have exhausted other ways to reach an agreement."

Translation: we have the right to simply take your property from you without compensation. However, we would rather go through a fairer process and compensate you to avoid potential negative publicity and having our project potentially delayed due to a court battle. Also we really want to increase our political support in your area:P

It isn't without compensation. When they expropriate they still pay you for the property (although usually less than what you believe it is worth)

@H4: Normally you would be correct, and I bet in this case you are (technically).

Apparently there is a new provincial law that gives them the right to do it without compensation for purposes of a transportation right of way. It was actually enacted because a certain large developer (and owner of a large strip mall) refused to give up part of a parking lot for a potential future subway expansion.

why woudln't normal expropriation laws have applied?

Just another attempt to create a path for more Canadian TV shows and comedians to sneak into the US and infiltrate our entertainment industry!

@H4: I don't know. there was a specific reason though.